Easy Brunch Ideas from Curtis Stone

Hunky chef Curtis Stone knows how to host a brunch bash. Here he shares his ideas for everyone's favorite meal of the week! You can find all the delicious food you see here in Curtis's new cookbook, Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone, but we've also included related recipes for your convenience.

Your Dream Brunch

Chef's tip: "Breakfast is an incredible meal, as is lunch, but having the freedom to combine the best of both is a cook's dream. If the sun is shining, sitting outside with friends and a delicious but easy-to-make spread really starts the day right."

Hotcakes with Delicious Blueberry Compote

Chef's tip: "I am especially fond of blueberries in pancakes because as they warm with the heat of cooking, they burst, making the pancakes juicy and light. The fresh flavor of mint keeps the compote from being too sweet."

Lychee-Lovers' Bellini

Chef's tip: "This drink is special but really easy  basically just a fruit puree that is slowly added to sparkling wine. Make the puree in advance so it's nice and cold when you mix up the drinks. I love the addition of Chambord, but it's also great without it."

Berry Good Start to the Day

Chef's tip: "Berries have so much inherent sweetness that they are the perfect thing to get you going in the a.m. It takes seconds to turn them into a drink, and you don't even need to get out the blender."

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Chives

Chef's tip: "We shouldn't call these eggs 'scrambled'  they are more like fluffy curds, and so light you'll feel like you're eating clouds. For a recipe this simple, use the very best ingredients you can get your hands on. In general, you get what you pay for, so go for the organic eggs and the deli-sliced salmon, not the packaged stuff; it makes a real difference."

Baby Spinach Salad with Crispy Bacon and Cheese Croutons

Chef's tip: "Think of this salad as a BLT on a health kick. If you're into strong cheese, substitute Parmesan for Dry Jack. If you're cooking for other people, bacon is a sure winner  the second they walk in the door, they'll be hungry from that smell."

Plum and Cinnamon Crumble

Chef's tip: "I put a whole cinnamon stick in this filling to add another layer of flavor. Crumbles and crisps are really quick to put together, but they can also be assembled in advance and held in the refrigerator for a couple of hours until you are ready to bake them. Place the crumble in the oven 10 minutes before you serve the main course so you can serve it warm."